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INSTITUTIONAL support for children with special needs is one hallmark of a civilised society. Pakistan, in particular Sindh, took a further step in that direction with the country’s first autism centre at its special education complex in Karachi. Awareness about autism remains low in our part of the world even though it is globally one of the fastest-growing developmental disabilities, which makes this a much-needed initiative. Studies in the West indicate that since the 1990s, there has been a 172pc increase in the number of children diagnosed with autism. According to studies conducted by a local NGO, there are around 350,000 autistic children in Pakistan — or one in 66, a figure that should be a cause for concern.

Autism spectrum disorder affects how people process information and relate to others. It encompasses a range of symptoms with each case manifesting some or more of them which determines where they lie on the spectrum. The condition can be difficult to diagnose: there is no blood test, brain scan or any other medical test to that end, and doctors must rely on observations of a child’s behaviour to arrive at a diagnosis. By then, families of autistic children have often been through the wringer because they cannot understand his or her behaviour and have no idea how to deal with it. Even more tragically, the absence of early intervention makes autistic individuals more vulnerable to bullying, loneliness, and even to dropping out of school. That prevents them from meeting their full potential, particularly unfortunate because many among those with high-functioning autism have above average intelligence. In Pakistani society, the stigma associated with mental disorders in general exacerbates these difficulties. Given the scale of the problem, medical curriculums should incorporate a thorough understanding of autism, and disability laws must be amended to include the condition. Budget allocation for resources devoted to those with developmental disorders such as autism must be enhanced. The recently opened institute should be but one among many.

On DawnNews

Comments (6) Closed

Shalone

Aug 13, 2017 11:01am

It is good to hear that a centre has been opened. Autism is not that uncommon and many parents are not in a position to identify this in their children. a learning disability. If a child is low in speaking or learning things. it does not automatically presume that he is suffering from autism. Here are some forms of Autism.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Epilepsy.
dyspraxia.
obsessive compulsive disorder
generalised anxiety disorder.
depression.
In doubt it is best to consult a specialist

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Amir

Aug 13, 2017 11:54am

Autism institute simply scratches the surface. Condemning most autistic kids to special institutes retards their progress because they learn poor behaviour from each other. Instead, most of the autistic kids (except those with extreme needs) must study in normal schools, but crucially with support. Support includes autism awareness staff and special needs assistants who support autistic kids in a normal classroom in anyway required including hygiene. The entire class should be educated and monitored for how they treat their autistic classfellows.

Respect autistic people so they can grow independent and serve society.

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Afab Khan

Aug 13, 2017 05:15pm

Its a good start. God bless

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Ashwin

Aug 13, 2017 06:18pm

Thanks for the editorial on this very important subject

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Asad

Aug 13, 2017 11:25pm

Dear Editor, opening of an autism centre is a good step in right direction, esp addressing the concerns of the parents. Just one point to note, this is not the first such centre in Pakistan. "Autism Resource Center" is working in Lahore since March this year, established by Dr Ahmed Faraz Bhatti.

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Deshi

Aug 14, 2017 08:28pm

Congratulation for visionary who started this autism center. Tremendous advances are made in addressing treatment by Behavioral Therapy for this disorder and with appropriate treatment, autistic child can become productive member of society. This can also relieve great burden from the family taking care of this child.